Summer Report: local papers

Thursday's headlines: electronic bail system currently beyond capacity; changes to work visas will give New Zealanders more preference over migrants in rebuilding of Christchurch; man who dumped 1 million tyres no longer in New Zealand.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald reports that three New Zealanders who died in a minivan crash in Kenya on Tuesday night were days away from returning home.

The Christian volunteer missionaries were from Tauranga and planned to fly home on Saturday.

Waikato Times

The Waikato Times says an Auckland businessman who illegally dumped up to one million tyres at his Huntly property has left the country. The man was not in court when his company was fined on charges for discharging contaminants onto the land.

Dominion Post

The Dominion Post says Levin residents and businesses have started fundraising for medical treatment for a boy, aged two.

An Auckland University study has found that the adage "money can't buy happiness" is not true, with results showing people with more money are happier and less stressed.

The Press

The Press leads with a story about changes to work visas, that will give New Zealanders more preference over migrants when applying for jobs to rebuild Christchurch.

And an upcoming World Buskers Festival in Christchurch will generate a boost for the economy.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times says people applying for electronically monitored bail may have to remain in prison instead, as the electronic system is currently beyond capacity.

It also reports one of Dunedin's oldest Chinese restaurants will be closing after 33 years of trading.